Jerusalem Sessions, a festival dedicated to celebrating television series and their creators, is set to return to the capital for its second annual edition. The three-day event will take place from November 17 to 19 at the National Library of Israel. This year, the program brings together local showrunners with international industry professionals to discuss the past, present, and future of the medium, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of television.
The festival schedule includes a variety of screenings, panels, and conversations. The opening night will be marked by the premiere of the third season of the Yes historical series, The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem. Following the screening, a panel discussion will feature actors Michael Aloni, Hila Saada, and Eli Steen, along with the series creator, Shlomo Moshiah.
Additional programming includes a standalone episode of the series The Chef. This story follows a tech worker, portrayed by Guri Alfi, who receives an unexpected opportunity to work in a prestigious restaurant in Tel Aviv. The episode highlights themes of career transitions and second chances within the entertainment and culinary worlds.
Visiting international guests will play a significant role in the upcoming sessions. Terence Winter, known for creating Boardwalk Empire and contributing to The Sopranos and The Wolf of Wall Street, will make his first visit to Israel. He is expected to participate in onstage conversations with other attendees. His presence underscores the event's goal of connecting the local industry with global powerhouses.
Other notable attendees include Minkie Spiro, a director recognized for her work on Better Call Saul and Downton Abbey. Also joining the event is David Hadda, the creator of The Zweiflers, a German production centered on a Jewish family living in present-day Frankfurt. These guests represent a diverse range of storytelling traditions and production styles.
Digital media leaders are also part of the lineup. Eyal Baumel, who manages some of the most successful YouTubers globally, including MrBeast, will be present to discuss the evolving landscape of content creation. Additionally, Jeff Sagansky, co-president of Sony Pictures Entertainment, will join the discussions, highlighting the major corporate interest in the event.
A special session will be held in tribute to Dana Eden, a veteran television producer who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Colleagues and her production partner, Shula Spiegel, are scheduled to deliver remarks honoring her contributions to the industry. This segment aims to reflect on her legacy and impact on Israeli television.
Jerusalem Sessions was established by the Jerusalem Media Initiative, a project of the Jerusalem Development Authority. The event has secured support from several key partners. Keshet International serves as a fellow sponsor, while collaborative partners include Yes, Kan 11, HOT, and Teddy Productions.
Keren Shahar, CEO of Keshet International, emphasized the strategic importance of the festival. She stated that the event aligns with the company's mission to bring Israeli stories and voices to the center of the global industry. Shahar noted that Israeli content not only sells abroad but also inspires and influences international trends, making the event a meaningful platform for showcasing this leadership.
Tickets for individual sessions are available for purchase through the official Jerusalem Sessions website. For those who attended the first edition, recordings of previous sessions remain accessible on the event's YouTube channel, allowing a broader audience to revisit past discussions and presentations.
